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Meditation on the Stations of the Cross
1. Jesus is condemned to death. Do I ever criticise others, blame others? Do I recognise my own fault before I look for the faults of others?
2. Jesus takes up the Cross. Do I accept crosses or burdens in my life without complaint? Do I ever load burdens onto others?
3. Jesus falls the first time. When I fall or make mistakes do I get up again or am I inclined to give up?
4. Jesus meets his mother. Do I recognise the hurt even unintentional that my life can cause to others especially those I love the most?
5. Simon helps Jesus carry the Cross. Am I always grateful to those who offer me help or who share a burden with me?
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Do I always recognise Christ’s image in others and can others see the image of Christ in me?
7. Jesus falls the second time. If at first I don’t succeed do I keep trying – do I persevere?
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. Even when I’m weighed down by the difficulties of my own life am I always ready and willing to help others and to put their needs before my own?
9. Jesus falls the third time. Am I ever the cause of others falling or do I comment on the faults or failures of others?
10. Jesus is stripped of his garments. Am I willing to deprive myself of attachment to material things to give more time to God?
11. Jesus is nailed to the Cross. Can I bear pain without always seeking instant relief? Am I ever guilty of causing pain to others?
12. Jesus dies on the Cross. Am I willing to die to my own sinfulness and selfishness? Do I always want my own way?
13. Jesus is taken down from the Cross. Have I a devotion to Mary in my life? As Jesus gave us His Mother from the Cross do I accept Mary as my Heavenly Mother who intercedes for me?
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb. Do I live my life in such a way that I can be confident the grave will not be the end for me but that I will share in Christ’s Resurrection?